Braves coach McDowell returning Friday

Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell confers with pitcher Craig Kimbrell and catcher Brian McCann (L-R) in the eighth inning of their game against the Washington Nationals on September 26, 2010. (REUTERS FILES/Jonathan Ernst)

Sports Network

ATLANTA - Atlanta pitching coach Roger McDowell is set to re-join the Braves on Friday, according to the Journal-Constitution.

His return ends a two-week suspension Major League Baseball handed down for his alleged homophobic and threatening conduct toward fans before an April 23 game in San Francisco.

MLB also fined McDowell an undisclosed amount of money and required him to participate in a sensitivity training program. According to the Journal- Constitution report, Braves general manager Frank Wren said McDowell has started the training program and apologized to the Quinn family.

Giants fan Justin Quinn brought the allegations against McDowell to light during a press conference several days after the game.

Quinn and his family were in the bleachers during batting practice when they observed McDowell's initial alleged behavior. McDowell was accused of asking three Giants fans in the stands at AT&T Park, "Are you a homo couple or a threesome?" as well as simulating sexual intercourse with a baseball bat, among other comments and gestures.

After Quinn yelled to McDowell, the pitching coach allegedly responded by saying "Kids don't [expletive] belong at the baseball park," picking up a bat and asking, "How much are your teeth worth?"

Coincidentally, McDowell returns in time for Civil Rights Game weekend at Turner Field. The Braves' three-game series against the Phillies concludes with the Civil Rights Game on Sunday afternoon.